Modular Kit Usage Clarification
Hi all,
I have a few questions around building and using modular kits for environment layout.
1. How critical is it for a modular environment to be fully closed off?
Meaning, all assets snapping cleanly to the grid with no protruding geometry outside of the layout of the scene?
In cinematic work, I’ve often prioritized what looks correct for the shot rather than strict grid adherence. However, I’m less clear on how important that closed off feel is in a real-time gameplay context especially for interior environments where the player never leaves the space?
2. Unreal Double-sided geometry vs. double-sided materials
I often see both approaches used, but I wanted to clarify:
What’s the difference between double-sided geometry and double-sided materials?
When should one be preferred over the other?
Are there cases where using both is justified, or is that considered wasteful?
3. Thickness in modular assets
For walls, floors, and ceilings, is it best practice to give assets physical thickness, or is using flat planes acceptable?
I’ve seen both approaches in production and in GDC talks, so I’m trying to understand the tradeoffs.
4. Spline usage in environment layout
What are the best use cases for splines in modular environments?
For example, would something like a large catwalk wrapping around a space benefit from spline-based construction, or does that introduce issues (repetition, deformation, performance)? Where do splines make sense versus sticking to standard modular pieces?
5. Asset scale and breaking modular bounds
I tend to keep all of my modular assets within a 400×400 cm dimension range, nothing bigger than that.
Outside of organic assets like cliffs and rock formations, for hard surface environments, does it make sense to break that constraint (besides hero assets)? For example, are there cases where larger wall or structural pieces are preferable for performance or workflow reasons?
Replies
1. Not at all. If the player can't see it and it doesn't cause performance or lighting issues, it doesn't matter.
2. Double sided materials are slightly more expensive, but IMO worth it if it means you don't have to manage double sided geo. Using both at the same time would be completely redundant. Note that in VR or mobile the calculation/expense might be different.
3. Generally thickness is better - single sided geo can have light leakage and shadow issues.
4. The best use case is obviously things that need to bend and deform, but they can also be an efficiency thing.
5. If it makes sense and improves workflow, why not? Maybe there's a doorway piece that just won't fit on the 4x4m footprint.
for thin stuff - glass panes, cloth etc. its a good idea. otherwise, stick to a single sided material